Laws May Change, People Come And Go, But the Void is Forever

As you may have guessed from the headline, we have a theme this week: changes. The industry is changing. The market is changing. The people craft beer is meant for and the people who make it are changing. It’s been documented before, but this week brought a renewed focus onto an industry that is morphing into something different than it was 10 years ago.

First, before we get into the local stuff, I have to give a shoutout to a legend in the online and offline beer communities. I mention both because I would be remiss in leaving out the influence he has had in both places in different ways. Jeremy Danner has officially called it quits at Boulevard, ending a years-long memorable run.

I first met him in DC at a Savor week Boulevard tap takeover at GBD (RIP) and later caught up with him again last year at Smoke and Barrel for another, where he brought the whalez as well as some of the taproom-only specials. Bill Debaun conducted a funny interview with him on the occasion. His combination of wit and experience attracted a lot of industry members to him, and they showed their respect in their messages to him about his inspiration as to how to be an ambassador for beer. Enjoy your time with family, Danner, and I speak for everyone when I say I hope the next step is bigger and better.

Following recent hate crimes in DC, local LGBTQ leaders, along with Elanor Holmes-Norton, had a wide-ranging conversation at Red Bear Brewing in NoMa.

12 Virginia laws that related to alcohol will change next week, including the much-hated law banning the promotion of happy hours. See the full list here. The Supreme Court also handed Total Wine and other out-of-state liquor sellers a win, with a recent ruling.

Speaking of Virginia, Arrowine beer and wine seller Nick Anderson has a column in Arlnow you should be reading. This week is about lactose, which is apparently something you can find in literally any beer style these days. You should also sign up for his beer newsletter, and anything else there that may tickle you.

It’s summer and you probably want to take in the extremely high humidity… sorry, the really nice weather on a rooftop somewhere. Preferably with a fan and maybe some flowers and, of course, a cold beer or three. Here are some places where you can do those things from Barred in DC.

Each week, Tony Budny pens SCREAMING INTO THE VOID and looks at the best in writing and social media conversation around the biggest issues in beer. If you feel something should be included, have a tip, or just want to sound off, feel free to look him up on Twitter @DrinksTheThings or email DCBeer.

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